Retreat was launched in 1801 and briefly sailed as a West Indiaman between London and Jamaica.

She then made five voyages for the British East India Company (EIC) as an "extra ship", that is, under charter.

Retreat appeared in Lloyd's Register for 1801 with J. Alidish, master, Wigram, owner, and trade: London transport.

Homeward bound, she stopped at Goa on 8 November, reached St Helena on 28 January 1806, and Cork on 6 April.

[3] Captain Thomas Herbert Harris acquired a letter of marque on 31 March 1809.

She arrived at Calcutta on 26 October.Homeward bound she was at Culpee on 18 December, Madras on 13 January 1810, and Pointe de Galle on 17 February.

Homeward bound, she was at Saugor on 23 February 1812, and reached St Helena on 14 June and Falmouth on 4 September.

Homeward bound, she reached St Helena on 7 April and arrived at the Downs on 6 August.